Employment in the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy

That the Parliament notes the publication of the bulletin Low carbon and renewable energy economy, UK: 2020 by the Office for National Statistics, which, it understands, found that that there had been no significant change in overall levels of employment in the low carbon and renewable energy sectors since the survey began in 2014; understands that estimated full-time equivalent employment in these sectors in Scotland has fallen from 21,500 in 2014 to 20,500 in 2020; notes the view that securing and developing employment, skills and training in low carbon and renewables sectors, including in the West Scotland region, should be a priority for both Scottish and UK governments; further notes the view that at least 50% of employment created by government contracts in the offshore renewables industry should be within the domestic economy in order to support fabrication and manufacturing jobs, and notes calls on the Scottish and UK governments to ensure that the promise of green jobs for the future is realised.